Novel upgraded method of recycling spent SiC abrasive powders to CNT particles

Abstract

To encourage the recycling of spent SiC abrasive powders, we investigated the synthesis of CNTs from several types of powders. The surface decomposition method was applied to as-received powders, and graphite was observed on the SiC surface but CNTs were not. This could be caused by the turbulence of the crystal structure and Fe contaminants on the SiC surface. On the other hand, from TEM observations we found that particle covered of CNTs could be synthesized by applying the surface decomposition method to powders pretreated by acid and heat, because the turbulence of the crystal structure on the surface could be improved and Fe contaminants could be removed. Consequently, the spent SiC abrasive powders pretreated by acid and heat could be used as a resource for synthesizing CNT particles. © 2009 The Ceramic Society of Japan.